Not sure what state you reside in, but in my Army career I saw several states that allowed a service member to hunt without purchasing a license when he/she was on official leave (with valid leave form). Also, I believe you are eligible to purchase an in-state license in your home of record (state you entered Army from) usually as well as the state you reside/are stationed in (Alaska rules may differ).

Welcome to the Army! I've recently hit my eleven year mark and hopefully by the grace of God, I can make it to twenty. I'm not sure about hunting, but in Tennessee anyone on active duty, possessing a DA 31 (Leave and Pass form) doesn't have to buy a fishing license. Maybe some of the older Bucks on this site can give you some more details on which States offer military privileges.

Any RESIDENT of Vermont who certifies that he or she is serving on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or is performing, or is under orders to perform, a homeland defense or state-side contingency operation for a period of 120 or more consecutive days may obtain at no cost a hunting or fishing license or combination hunting and fishing license. A person who obtains a license under this provision may keep the license until it expires, whether or not the person continues to serve in the armed forces. If requesting a hunting or combination license, you also need to submit a copy of your hunter education certification, a previous hunting license, or sign an affidavit stating you have held a hunting license.

A NONRESIDENT member of the armed forces of the United States who certifies that he or she is on active duty and stationed at a military, air or naval post, station or base within Vermont may buy a license to hunt or fish at the resident fee. (Resident Fishing, $22.00 Resident Hunting, $22.00)

These licenses are available from our Waterbury office and online (effective July 1, 2011). They are not available at license agents at this time. Any questions on eligibility for military licenses should be directed to 802-241-3695 or fwinformation@state.vt.us or sent to: